RAW official attempts suicide outside PMO

India

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Published: Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 21:32 [IST]

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New Delhi, Aug 19 (UNI) A senior official of the country's external intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) today attempted suicide outside the Prime Minister's Office in South Block area of New Delhi district this afternoon.

Nisha Bhatia, a senior official posted at the agency's training institute in neighbouring Gurgaon, was soon rushed to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after a PCR call was made, according to sources.

Her condition is said to be out of danger, according to the doctors.

She had come to meet a senior official of the PMO after which she allegedly consumed some poisonous substance and fell unconscious.

Sources in the police said no case has been registered yet as her condition was not fit to make a statement.

A case will be registered only after recording her version, they said adding that a sample of her 'stomach wash' has been sent for forensic examination.

Divorced with two children, Ms Bhatia had earlier complained of 'harrassment at workplace', sources added.

Police officials refused to comment on the incident.

Late evening, the government clarified in a note that Ms Bhatia, working as director with the Cabinet Secretariat, was shifted to hospital for medical care after she attempted suicide outside the PMO.

''Her family has been informed about the incident.'' Ms Bhatia had earlier lodged a complaint alleging sexual harassment by her joint secretary last year, which was inquired into. The officer later withdrew her complaint.

Later, the inquiry committee in its May 19 report this year found her behaviour indicating a 'diturbed state of mind' and recommended 'medical counselling'.

Also, several complaints against Ms Bhatia were received from officials of the organisation which included abuse of authority and insubordination, following which an inquiry against her was ordered on August 8 after which she threatened that ''the department would face the consequences''.

Due to her 'erratic behaviour' she was advised psychiatric opinion and medical counselling which she refused, the government note added.